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Osteoarthritis in Polokwane: Treatment by Stage

Arthrosis of the knee, hip or another joint treated with SVF cells and PRP. Your X-rays or MRI are reviewed free of charge to confirm the stage

Knee joint: regenerative treatment without surgery
Joint treatment without surgery. Free consultation and review of your scans

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What it is

What is osteoarthritis
(arthrosis)?

Osteoarthritis, which doctors also call arthrosis, is a chronic process of cartilage thinning and wearing away inside a joint. The cartilage is there to absorb shock, and as it deteriorates the bones rub together, producing pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. It is degenerative rather than inflammatory, although flares with swelling occur.

  • No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
  • Own tissue — your blood and adipose tissue
  • Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Knee joint: an injection under ultrasound guidance

Who the treatment suits

The doctor decides on suitability once you have been examined and your scans have been reviewed

Suitable

A doctor reviews knee X-rays with a patient
  • Pain, crunching or stiffness in a joint
  • Painkillers only help for a short time
  • Recovery after injuries and surgery
  • You need a second opinion on your scans
  • You want to avoid or postpone joint replacement
  • Early or moderate arthrosis or arthritis
  • High load on the joints — sport or physical work

Not suitable

A doctor examines a patient's knee
  • Cancer
  • Pregnancy
  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Acute infections, including infection in or near the joint
  • Flare-up of a serious chronic illness
  • Temporary contraindications: inflammation of the skin over the joint to be treated, fever, a cold or flu

Not sure the treatment is right for you?

Leave your number — the coordinator will ask for your scans (X-ray, MRI or ultrasound), and the doctor will tell you whether treatment without surgery suits you.

Find out if it suits me

What we treat

Conditions we treat

How it works

How the procedure goes: step by step

Consultation and scan review1

Consultation and scan review

First comes an examination of the joint and a look at your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound, after which the doctor decides whether the procedure suits you. Already have scans? Send them before the visit.

Blood sample for PRP2

Blood sample for PRP

From a vein, a small amount of blood is taken — it will later be used to prepare platelet-rich plasma with growth factors.

Adipose tissue sample3

Adipose tissue sample

Under local anaesthetic, the doctor collects a small portion of adipose tissue (roughly 30 ml) via a puncture on the abdomen or the inner thigh. Stitches are not needed.

Processing in a centrifuge4

Processing in a centrifuge

In a centrifuge the sample separates into layers; the stromal vascular fraction is isolated and combined with the platelet-rich plasma.

Injection into the joint5

Injection into the joint

Ultrasound guidance allows the prepared material to be injected directly and precisely into the affected joint.

Follow-up6

Follow-up

Crutches and a hospital stay are not required. The doctor stays in touch after the procedure, following the joint's response.

Book a consultation

Call or message us — our coordinator will contact you shortly and book your consultation

A doctor talks with a patient about joint treatment
Book a consultation
A doctor talks with a patient about joint treatment

Results

After the procedure

  • Doctor talking warmly with a patient after the procedure

    1 week

    The joint may ache a little more — this is an expected reaction.

  • Doctor consulting an older patient one month after treatment

    1 month

    The pain usually eases.

  • Doctor explaining progress to a patient using a knee joint model

    ~3 months

    Mobility and activity improve.

  • Doctor and patient walking together at a follow-up visit

    ~6 months

    The full effect develops.

How long it lasts differs from person to person and depends on the stage of the condition, body weight, activity and other factors — no one can promise a fixed result.

Comparison

Methods we use

We use your own adipose tissue and blood only, with no donor or synthetic material

Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue

First a small sample of adipose tissue is processed to isolate the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) — cells involved in tissue repair. This fraction, combined with your plasma, is then injected into the affected joint.

A doctor explains SVF cell therapy for the knee to a patient on a tablet

Mainly at early and moderate stages of osteoarthritis — to reduce friction between the joint surfaces and slow down cartilage wear.

Material
Your adipose tissue and plasma
How it is given
Into the joint, under ultrasound
Duration
The whole procedure is done in one day.

PRP — platelet-rich plasma from your own blood

Plasma rich in platelets and growth factors is obtained from a small volume of your blood and injected into the joint, where it helps calm inflammation and improves conditions for tissue repair.

A doctor explains PRP therapy for joints to a patient on a monitor

Mild osteoarthritis is a common indication; when a stronger effect is needed, it is used together with SVF.

Material
Your blood from a vein
How it is given
Into the joint, under ultrasound
Duration
The whole procedure is done in one day.

The benefits and timings shown are averaged and given for guidance: the plan and recovery depend on your joint and individual features, and the doctor confirms them at the consultation.

At the consultation the doctor will review your scans and suggest a treatment plan

Free consultation

Book a consultation

Joints

Joints we treat

From large joints to small ones — which joint, which method and how many injections is decided after the doctor studies your scans

  • KneeKneePain on stairs and after walks, cartilage wear, meniscus issues
  • HipHipEarly hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
  • ShoulderShoulderPain on raising the arm; wear of the joint and the tendons around it
  • ElbowElbowPain linked to overuse or sports strain and worn joint surfaces
  • Hand and wrist jointsHand and wrist jointsFinger and wrist small joints affected by pain and stiffness
  • AnkleAnklePain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries

Advantages

Why patients choose City Medical Centre

We work to keep the joint you have instead of replacing it, using treatment without surgery

Your own tissue

Your own tissue

We use your own adipose tissue and blood only, with no donor or synthetic material

No crutches

No crutches

Only punctures, no incisions — under local anaesthetic and without a long rehabilitation

Second opinion

Second opinion

Send X-rays, MRI or reports and receive a doctor's independent assessment for free

Support after the procedure

Support after the procedure

We stay in touch after the procedure and follow the result, not just the day of the injection

About the clinic

A clinic where you can feel at ease

Modern equipment, comfortable rooms and care for every patient

A doctor and a patient at the clinic

Contact us the way that suits you

We will answer your questions and find a convenient time for a consultation

Request a free call

Price

Osteoarthritis treatment prices

The stage of osteoarthritis, the joint and the method all affect the cost, so it is named after the consultation

FAQ

Joint treatment: frequently asked questions

About the conditions

More about these conditions

Other services of our clinic

Osteoarthritis in Polokwane: stages, methods and price

Osteoarthritis, also called arthrosis, is a chronic condition in which the cartilage of a joint gradually thins and wears away. For patients from Polokwane, it usually shows as aching pain on movement, stiffness after rest and crunching in the joint.

Follow-up visits let the doctor see how the joint responds. In Polokwane, check-ups after one, three and six months help adjust the plan and decide whether a repeat course is needed.

The price depends on how many joints are treated and on the method. For patients from Polokwane, the doctor explains the plan and the cost at a free consultation before any procedure.

Polokwane and why joint health matters here

Polokwane, whose name means “Sanctuary” in Northern Sotho and which was formerly known as Pietersburg, is the capital of Limpopo Province. It is the largest urban centre in South Africa north of Gauteng and was one of the nine host cities of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The population in 2011 was about 130,000. For people who live here, a painful knee, hip or hand is not an abstract medical topic. It decides whether they can walk through the Civic Gardens, stand through a working day, drive to a family gathering or keep up with grandchildren.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, and that shapes how a patient in Polokwane should think about treatment. It needs an ongoing plan rather than a single injection. A sensible plan combines an accurate diagnosis, daily movement, weight management, pain control and, where suitable, regenerative options. This text explains how that plan can be built around life in Polokwane, and how City Medical Centre supports patients through a free online consultation from their own city.

Coordinators are available around the clock (24/7) on Telegram and Telegram. You can send your question from home in Polokwane, attach your imaging reports and receive an answer without rearranging your week around an appointment.

Osteoarthritis or arthritis: what patients in Polokwane should clarify first

Many people use the words “arthritis” and “osteoarthritis” as if they meant the same thing. They do not. Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints. Typical signs are pain at rest and at night, morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, swelling, redness and warmth over the joint. Causes include autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, infections, gout and psoriasis. Osteoarthritis, by contrast, is usually a mechanical, degenerative problem that grows slowly and tends to hurt more with load and ease with rest.

This difference matters in practice. If your joint is hot, red and swollen, or the stiffness in the morning lasts more than 30 minutes, the first step is a proper diagnosis with a rheumatology-minded approach, not a regenerative procedure. Someone in Polokwane who has been treating “arthritis” with painkillers for years may in fact have osteoarthritis, and the reverse is also true.

In the online consultation we ask you to describe when the pain appears, whether it wakes you at night, how long stiffness lasts after getting up and whether the joint has ever been swollen or warm. Those answers help sort out which pathway is realistic. Clinical guidance such as NICE — Osteoarthritis in over 16s: diagnosis and management (NG226) is a useful reference for the general principles of diagnosis and long-term management that your own doctor will also follow.

What SVF therapy involves for a patient from Polokwane

SVF therapy uses your own adipose tissue. Under local anaesthetic, a small portion of adipose tissue (about 30 ml) is taken through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh. No stitches are needed. The material is then processed and the resulting preparation is used to support the damaged joint area. Because the tissue is your own, the approach is built around your body rather than a standard product.

At early stages (1–2), SVF therapy may be considered to support blood supply to the femoral head and delay the need for joint replacement. At later stages surgery is usually required. This is a frank limit, and we state it plainly to every patient. If your imaging shows an advanced joint, the useful conversation is about timing and options for surgery, not about postponing a decision.

Patients in Polokwane often ask whether a small puncture means a long break from daily life. Because no stitches are needed, wound care is simple, but you should still plan the first days calmly and follow the instructions given by the treating team. Your coordinator will explain the steps in order so that nothing comes as a surprise.

Climate of Polokwane and its effect on recovery

Polokwane lies on the Tropic of Capricorn, yet the climate is tempered by its position on a plateau 1230 m above sea level. The city has a semiarid climate. Average temperatures reach around 21–22 °C in January and fall to 11 °C in July. The city has a summer rainy season, with December or, less often, January the wettest month, and a pronounced dry spell in winter, with July the driest. Average annual rainfall is 495 mm. The last decade has also brought notably warmer seasons than the long-term average.

For recovery this means different things in different months. In the warm, wet summer, heat and humidity can make a puncture area on the abdomen or thigh feel uncomfortable under clothing, so choose loose, breathable fabrics and keep the area clean and dry. Strong highveld sun is another reason to protect the skin around the puncture site with clothing rather than leaving it exposed on a long outdoor day.

In the dry winter, mornings are cool and joints often feel stiffer. Many people with osteoarthritis report that the first steps of the day are the hardest in July. Gentle warm-up at home before leaving the house, and warm layers, help the knee or hip to start moving. Dry air and dust can irritate the skin, so a gentle approach to hygiene and moisturising around the puncture area, as your team advises, is worthwhile.

Swelling can occur after any procedure that involves tissue. In hot weather it may feel more noticeable by the end of the day. Keeping the leg up in the evening and avoiding long periods of standing in the heat are general measures that most patients find helpful.

Choosing the season for treatment in Polokwane

There is no single correct month, but the local climate lets you weigh the options. Winter, from roughly June to August, is dry and mild by day and cool at night. It is comfortable for resting at home and for wearing the clothing that is recommended afterwards. The drawback is that stiff joints in the cold may hide how your joint is really responding, so keep a simple diary of pain and movement.

Summer brings the rains and the heat. Humid days make rest harder and skin care more demanding, but many people have more flexibility in their schedules around the December holidays and family events. If you choose summer, plan cool rooms, light clothing and shorter outdoor errands during the first days.

Spring and autumn often offer a balance: temperatures are moderate, the days are long, and it is easier to take gentle walks. Whatever the season, think about your own calendar: harvest-related work, school terms, university exams, weddings and funerals that bring the extended family together. Ask your coordinator to help you choose a window in which you are not obliged to stand for long hours or carry heavy loads during the first weeks.

Work, study, sport and family life in the city

Polokwane is a regional capital, so many residents work in administration, retail, education, services and agriculture-linked trades. A desk job in the city centre is different from a job that involves lifting, walking on uneven ground or driving long distances across the province. Tell the coordinator exactly what your day looks like, because the plan for return to usual activity depends on it.

Students are part of the city too. The Tshwane University of Technology, Capricorn TVET College and the University of South Africa have satellite campuses in Polokwane, and the University of Limpopo's Turfloop campus is situated about 30 km east of the city. A young person with joint pain after sports injuries or a parent supporting a student may need to plan around lectures and exams. Remote contact makes this easier, because the consultation can be arranged around your timetable.

Sport is part of life in a city that hosted matches in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Football, running, gym work and walking on the weekends are common. For sport, the principle is gradual return: low-impact movement first, then more load as the joint allows, and always with the agreement of the treating team. Do not rush back to a Saturday match because the knee felt good for one day.

Family life matters as well. Large gatherings, long meals and standing in the kitchen are part of many households here, and the city is home to communities including Sepedi (Northern Sotho) speakers, Afrikaners, English-speaking residents and Venda people. If relatives usually depend on you for cooking or childcare, arrange help for the first days so you can rest the joint.

Food, weight and everyday habits

Food culture in Polokwane revolves around shared meals, braai gatherings and traditional dishes. Nothing about this needs to be given up, but body weight is a real factor in osteoarthritis of the knee and hip, because every extra kilogram adds load to the joint. The WHO fact sheet on obesity and overweight explains why excess weight is a health concern in general, and for joints the logic is straightforward.

A practical approach is to change portions and frequency, not to ban the foods you love. Add vegetables and protein to the plate, reduce sugary drinks, and walk after a family meal. Because the plateau climate is mild for much of the year, evening walks are realistic for many months.

Drink enough water in the warm months, avoid heavy alcohol around the procedure period, and ask your team about supplements or anti-inflammatory medicines you currently take. Do not stop prescribed medicines on your own. Bring the full list to the online consultation so the plan fits with what your own doctor has already started.

How the remote consultation works from Polokwane

The first step is free and online. You write to the coordinators on Telegram or Telegram at any hour, since they are available around the clock (24/7). You describe the joint, the history of pain and any earlier treatment, and you send available imaging such as X-ray or MRI reports. The specialist team reviews the information and replies with an assessment of whether SVF therapy might be considered at your stage, or whether a different route is more suitable.

Good preparation makes the conversation more useful. Write down where the pain is, how it changes through the day, how far you can walk, what you have already tried and what you hope to be able to do again. If you can, have a family member join the chat, particularly if they help you with decisions.

You remain in Polokwane and keep contact with your own doctor. We encourage you to share the plan with them. Regenerative treatment does not replace regular follow-up, exercise guidance or care for other conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Candidates, limits and questions for the surgeon

In general terms, the people most likely to benefit from an SVF approach are those with early-stage osteoarthritis (stages 1–2) who still have a working joint and want to postpone replacement. People with advanced damage usually need surgery. Active infection, an inflammatory flare that has not been explained, certain blood or cancer-related conditions and pregnancy are examples of situations in which the team will want to pause and investigate before any procedure. Your individual assessment decides.

Prepare questions for the surgeon. What stage is my joint? Is my pain really osteoarthritis, or could it be an inflammatory form of arthritis such as gout or psoriatic arthritis? What exactly will be taken from my abdomen or inner thigh, and how will the puncture site be cared for? What can I realistically expect, and when? Which activities should I avoid and for how long? How will we measure whether the treatment is working? What is the plan if my symptoms return?

Be realistic about the timeline. Many patients notice the first changes 2–3 weeks after the procedure. A stable result forms over about six months and can last from several months to several years, depending on the individual. This means that someone in Polokwane planning a sports season, a wedding or a busy work period should think in months, not days, and should not judge the result too early.

Is the online consultation really free for people in Polokwane?

Yes. The first online consultation is free. You contact the coordinators on Telegram or Telegram from Polokwane, send your imaging reports and describe your symptoms. They are available 24/7, so you can write at the time that suits your work or study schedule.

Do I need to stop being treated by my own doctor in Polokwane?

No. Osteoarthritis is chronic and needs an ongoing plan, so continuing contact with your own doctor is important. Share the plan with them, keep taking prescribed medicines unless they tell you otherwise, and use the online consultation as an additional specialist opinion.

How is osteoarthritis different from arthritis?

Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints. Typical signs are pain at rest and at night, morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, swelling, redness and warmth over the joint. Causes include autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, infections, gout and psoriasis. Osteoarthritis is usually degenerative and load-related. The distinction should be made before choosing treatment.

What is taken from the body during SVF therapy?

Under local anaesthetic, a small portion of adipose tissue (about 30 ml) is taken through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh. No stitches are needed. The tissue is your own and is processed for use in the treatment plan.

Who can be considered, and when is surgery needed?

At early stages (1–2), SVF therapy may be considered to support blood supply to the femoral head and delay the need for joint replacement. At later stages surgery is usually required. Your imaging and examination decide which group you belong to.

When will I notice a change?

Many patients notice the first changes 2–3 weeks after the procedure. A stable result forms over about six months and can last from several months to several years, depending on the individual. Keep a short diary of pain and movement so you can judge progress honestly.

Does the heat of a Polokwane summer or the dry winter matter?

General advice applies. Polokwane's summers are warm and rainy, with average temperatures of around 21–22 °C in January, so wear loose, breathable clothing and keep the puncture area clean and dry. Winters are dry and cool, with around 11 °C in July, and joints can feel stiffer in the morning, so warm up gently at home. Protect the skin from strong sun.

Can I return to work, study and sport?

It depends on your job and on how the joint responds. A desk-based role and a physically demanding one need different plans. Students at the city's campuses can usually arrange consultations around lectures. For sport, return gradually with low-impact movement first, and always with the agreement of the treating team.

Does weight affect my joints?

Yes. Extra body weight increases the load on the knee and hip. The WHO fact sheet on obesity and overweight describes why weight is a broad health concern. Practical changes in portions, drinks and daily walking are useful alongside any joint treatment.

What should I send when I first write to the coordinators?

Send a short description of the painful joint, how long it has hurt, when it is worse, any earlier treatment, a list of current medicines and available X-ray or MRI reports. Photos of documents are enough. The more complete the information, the more precise the first assessment.